ETFOptimize | High-performance ETF-based Investment Strategies

Quantitative strategies, Wall Street-caliber research, and insightful market analysis since 1998.


ETFOptimize | HOME
Close Window

3 Overrated Stocks We Find Risky

FIVE Cover Image

Each stock in this article is trading near its 52-week high. These elevated prices usually indicate some degree of investor confidence, business improvements, or favorable market conditions.

But not every company with momentum is a long-term winner, and plenty of investors have lost money betting on short-term fads. On that note, here are three overhyped stocks that may correct and some you should consider instead.

Five Below (FIVE)

One-Month Return: +22.6%

Often facilitating a treasure hunt shopping experience, Five Below (NASDAQ: FIVE) is an American discount retailer that sells a variety of products from mobile phone cases to candy to sports equipment for largely $5 or less.

Why Are We Wary of FIVE?

  1. Subscale operations are evident in its revenue base of $4.43 billion, meaning it has fewer distribution channels than its larger rivals
  2. Widely-available products (and therefore stiff competition) result in an inferior gross margin of 35.4% that must be offset through higher volumes
  3. Underwhelming 10.4% return on capital reflects management’s difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities, and its decreasing returns suggest its historical profit centers are aging

At $181.92 per share, Five Below trades at 30.8x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why FIVE doesn’t pass our bar.

Figs (FIGS)

One-Month Return: +25.9%

Rising to fame via TikTok and founded in 2013 by Heather Hasson and Trina Spear, Figs (NYSE: FIGS) is a healthcare apparel company known for its stylish approach to medical attire and uniforms.

Why Do We Pass on FIGS?

  1. Sluggish trends in its active customers suggest customers aren’t adopting its solutions as quickly as the company hoped
  2. Ability to fund investments or reward shareholders with increased buybacks or dividends is restricted by its weak free cash flow margin of 6.4% for the last two years
  3. Improving returns on capital suggest management is identifying more profitable investments

Figs’s stock price of $11.74 implies a valuation ratio of 110x forward P/E. If you’re considering FIGS for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more.

Voya Financial (VOYA)

One-Month Return: +7.5%

Originally spun off from Dutch financial giant ING in 2013 and rebranded with a name suggesting "voyage," Voya Financial (NYSE: VOYA) provides workplace benefits and savings solutions to U.S. employers, helping their employees achieve better financial outcomes through retirement plans and insurance products.

Why Does VOYA Fall Short?

  1. Sales trends were unexciting over the last two years as its 6.8% annual growth was below the typical financials company
  2. Annual earnings per share growth of 4.1% underperformed its revenue over the last two years, showing its incremental sales were less profitable
  3. Loan losses and capital returns have eroded its tangible book value per share this cycle as its tangible book value per share declined by 14.6% annually over the last five years

Voya Financial is trading at $74.48 per share, or 7.8x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with VOYA, check out our full research report (it’s free for active Edge members).

Stocks We Like More

The market’s up big this year - but there’s a catch. Just 4 stocks account for half the S&P 500’s entire gain. That kind of concentration makes investors nervous, and for good reason. While everyone piles into the same crowded names, smart investors are hunting quality where no one’s looking - and paying a fraction of the price. Check out the high-quality names we’ve flagged in our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 244% over the last five years (as of June 30, 2025).

Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,326% between June 2020 and June 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Find your next big winner with StockStory today.

Recent Quotes

View More
Symbol Price Change (%)
AMZN  227.35
+0.59 (0.26%)
AAPL  273.67
+1.48 (0.54%)
AMD  213.43
+12.37 (6.15%)
BAC  55.27
+1.01 (1.86%)
GOOG  308.61
+4.86 (1.60%)
META  658.77
-5.68 (-0.85%)
MSFT  485.92
+1.94 (0.40%)
NVDA  180.99
+6.85 (3.93%)
ORCL  191.97
+11.94 (6.63%)
TSLA  481.20
-2.17 (-0.45%)
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.


 

IntelligentValue Home
Close Window

DISCLAIMER

All content herein is issued solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor should it be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, hold or sell (short or otherwise) any security.  All opinions, analyses, and information included herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made including but not limited to any representation or warranty concerning accuracy, completeness, correctness, timeliness or appropriateness. We undertake no obligation to update such opinions, analysis or information. You should independently verify all information contained on this website. Some information is based on analysis of past performance or hypothetical performance results, which have inherent limitations. We make no representation that any particular equity or strategy will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those shown. Shareholders, employees, writers, contractors, and affiliates associated with ETFOptimize.com may have ownership positions in the securities that are mentioned. If you are not sure if ETFs, algorithmic investing, or a particular investment is right for you, you are urged to consult with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Neither this website nor anyone associated with producing its content are Registered Investment Advisors, and no attempt is made herein to substitute for personalized, professional investment advice. Neither ETFOptimize.com, Global Alpha Investments, Inc., nor its employees, service providers, associates, or affiliates are responsible for any investment losses you may incur as a result of using the information provided herein. Remember that past investment returns may not be indicative of future returns.

Copyright © 1998-2017 ETFOptimize.com, a publication of Optimized Investments, Inc. All rights reserved.